A solar eclipse is one of nature’s grandest spectacles. Follow the guidelines below to enjoy the total solar eclipse safely and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.

The only time that the Sun can be viewed safely with the naked eye is during a total eclipse, and then only when the Moon totally covers the disk of the Sun. Use ISO certified eclipse viewing glasses or a shade number 14 welder’s glass to view the eclipse safely.

It will become noticeably darker outside once “totality” is achieved, thus alerting viewers they can remove their eye safety devices. Be sure to begin using them again before the Sun starts to reappear around the Moon.

It is never safe to look at the partial phases of a total solar eclipse without the proper equipment and techniques. Failure to use proper observing methods may result in permanent eye damage and severe visual loss.

Scientists and public health officials recommend viewing the eclipse using eclipse glasses meeting the ISO 12312-2 certification, or a shade number 14 welder’s glass. Glasses can be purchased at local retailers or online. Welder’s glass can be purchased at hardware stores and online.

Sunglasses and homemade filters are NOT acceptable to view the Solar eclipse. Never look at the Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, or binoculars, even if wearing certified eclipse viewing glasses.

If you view the eclipse with the naked eye, before the Moon totally blocks the face of the Sun, permanent eye injury can occur. The resulting injury may not become apparent until several hours later. Closely supervise children to ensure they follow eclipse eye safety messages.

In Carbondale, Illinois, the length of time the total solar eclipse can be viewed without eye protection (i.e. while the Moon completely blocks the face of the Sun), is 4 minutes, 9 seconds. This length of time will vary along the eclipse path, and the distance from the path of totality.
Please pass along eclipse eye safety messages to others, so everyone can enjoy this spectacle safely.

NOTE FOR TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024: We expect to have many temporary food events to permit & inspect, so please have permit applications submitted by April 1, 2024.

Jackson County Health Department follows the Food Code adopted by the State of Illinois, and the County’s Food Service Sanitation Ordinance. Those wishing to conduct a temporary event where food is served are instructed to consult Jackson County’s Temporary Food Service Guidelines. A permit application and the appropriate fee must be submitted to JCHD well ahead of the planned event. It is also a good idea to speak with one of our food inspectors prior to the event to ensure that you understand the requirements and the permitting process. Working with JCHD and following the guidelines will help ensure proper food safety at your event. Call the Environmental Health Division at 618-684-3143 ext. 128 with any questions.

In 2017 Jackson County adopted a Temporary Campground Ordinance to help ensure minimal health & safety conditions at such campgrounds. This ordinance applies to property owners allowing camping on their property for monetary gain in the unincorporated areas of the county. Owners of temporary campgrounds must register them with Jackson County Health Department and remit the $20 annual registration fee. Campgrounds operated by government entities are exempt from the ordinance.

For more information please consult the Temporary Campground FAQ, Temporary Campground Ordinance, and the Temporary Campground Toilet & Handwash Requirements. Click here to access the Registration Form. Click here to see the current list of county-licensed waste haulers. Call the Environmental Health Division at 618-684-3143 ext. 128 with any questions.

On Wednesday February 28th, 2024, the CDC director endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for adults ages 65 years and older to receive an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose. The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness.

JCHD has Moderna and Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines available by appointment Monday -Friday from 8:30am-3:30pm, with additional hours until 5:30pm on Tuesdays. Appointments are required and can be made here or by calling 618-684-3143 ext. 150.